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Utility Expands Plants in Arkansas, Virginia

Paragould’s 22,000-square-foot expansion includes a new modification center that accommodates more customized trailers with complex or multiple options.

“With our customers’ growing demand for Utility trailers, the expansion will allow us to successfully meet those demands and manufacture more high-option trailers while continuing to increase production of standard type trailers,” said David Neighbors, Utility’s Paragould Plant Manager.

Utility estimates that the expansion will result in hiring over 50 additional employees to accommodate the increased production. The modification center has been expanded to include 12 new drive-through trailer bays and an additional employee lunchroom. The full expansion is expected to be finished in late September.

In Virginia, there is a 50,000-square-foot modification center for high option and complex refrigerated trailers and an additional employee lunchroom. This expansion will increase production capabilities to meet customers’ growing demand for high-option reefers while allowing for increased production of more standardized trailers.

“We are currently in our 18th consecutive year as the #1 market leading reefer trailer manufacturer consistently building over half of all the reefers in North America. This expansion is evidence of our continuing commitment to lead the reefer trailer industry,” said Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.

The expansion also includes the acquisition of over 100 acres of property adjacent to the facility to accommodate additional parking for up to 1,400 trailers. Utility’s Marion Plant Manager, Brad Starkey expects the full expansion to be completed in late October.

The Marion and Paragould plants are two of Utility’s five trailer manufacturing facilities across the United States. In addition to the Marion and Paragould plant, Utility has expanded its Glade Spring, Virginia, dry van plant this year.